Contrary to her highly emotional interview on national TV last year when she first spoke about his son, Hayden Kho Jr.’s sex video scandal, Irene Kho was cool as ice in facing the cameras recently to declare that she's ready to face Katrina Halili’s libel charge.

“Matagal na naming inaantay ‘yan… We’re prepared,” said Irene in an interview on “24 Oras” on May 18.

Earlier that day, the mother of the beleaguered ex-doctor posted P20,000 bail at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 85 for the warrant of arrest issued against her on May 17. The warrant is in connection with the two counts of libel filed against her by the sexy actress in 2009.

The libel case stemmed from Irene’s accusation that the Kapuso actress used illegal drugs and influenced her son to do the same. The Quezon City Fiscal’s office initially dismissed the case on August 2009 only to be reversed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) later.

Irene revealed in a separate interview on “TV Patrol World” that she was out-of-town when the warrant was brought to the Kho residence. “Medyo nagulat ako, nabasa ko sa diyaryo. Kung anuman ‘yun, ready na lang ako. Okay lang,” she added.

She recalled how difficult it was for her family during the height of his son's scandal which eventually led to the revocation of his license by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

“Busy ako kasi ‘yung mommy ko may sakit. May stroke siya nung peak nung nagkakagulo si Hayden,” said Irene, adding that she has not told Hayden, who is in the US for a “spiritual journey,” about the libel case.

Irene couldn’t help the tears when she talked about the most recent gift she got from her son.

“Na-touch ako kasi pinadalhan niya ko ng flowers… Naiiyak tuloy ako. He said [sa card], ‘Thank you for everything Ma. I love you very much.’”

The arraignment of the libel case is set for June 3.

Meanwhile, Katrina’s camp is pleased with the DOJ decision.

“Kasi dati nabasura sa QC ‘yan for one reason [na] ‘di ko maintindihan. Ni-reverse ng DOJ so finally isinampa na sa court,” said Halili’s lawyer, Atty. Raymund Palad, on “24 Oras.”

He clarified that they did not request a hold departure order (HDO) for Hayden, but simply a “comment on the urgent motion to travel.” They said Hayden should post a travel bond in order to guarantee his return to the country.

“Ever since na sumampa ‘yung kaso nung October 2009 sa court, we never asked for HDO because of the undertaking ni Hayden sa court not to leave the country without court permission. Okay na ‘yun,” Atty. Palad explained.